Louisiana Substitute Teacher Requirements
Official Louisiana minimums (last reviewed February 8, 2026). Authorization comes only from government authorities. The real competitive edge: practical classroom skills that get you called back repeatedly.
5
Required Items
1
Optional/Recommended
$85
Daily Rate (avg)
Louisiana Requirements
These are the current published minimums. Skills that exceed them are what move you to the top of district call lists.
Required
Education Requirements
Louisiana offers multiple pathways for substitute teachers based on education level. A Type C teaching certificate requires a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. In parishes that permit it, candidates with at least 48 college credit hours may qualify for a substitute teaching position under a parish-level authorization. The specific requirements vary by parish school board.
Background Check
All substitute teaching candidates in Louisiana must undergo a criminal background check including fingerprinting through the Louisiana State Police and the FBI. Louisiana also requires a check against the state sex offender registry and the child abuse and neglect registry. Background clearance must be obtained before a candidate can enter a classroom.
Age Requirements
Substitute teachers in Louisiana must be at least 18 years of age. This requirement is consistent across all parish school systems and applies regardless of the credential type being pursued.
Application Process
Candidates seeking a Type C certificate apply through the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) online TeachLA portal. For parish-level substitute authorization, candidates apply directly with the parish school board. Both pathways require submission of transcripts, background check results, and a completed application with the appropriate fee.
Substitute Teaching Permit/License
Louisiana issues a Type C teaching certificate for substitute teachers who hold a bachelor's degree. This certificate is valid statewide and allows the holder to substitute in any public school. Parishes may also issue local authorizations for candidates with fewer than a bachelor's degree, valid only within that parish. The Type C certificate must be renewed periodically according to LDOE guidelines.
Recommended / Optional
Training/Orientation
Louisiana does not mandate specific state-level training for substitute teachers, but many parishes require substitutes to complete an orientation session before beginning assignments. Some parishes use online training platforms to provide modules on classroom management, student safety, and parish-specific procedures.
Additional Information
For more information, visit the Louisiana Department of Education Teaching Certification page.
After Authorization: How to Actually Get Called More in Louisiana
Complete the official government process
Satisfy Louisiana's published education, background check, and application requirements. These are issued only by state and district authorities.
Install fast authority signals
Students decide in the first 90 seconds whether to cooperate. Master the specific voice, posture, and routine moves that establish calm control immediately.
Build a portable engagement toolkit
Have 5-6 repeatable tactics ready for any grade band. Subs who keep learning happening (not just managed) get requested for long-term and repeat assignments.
Earn a reputation that travels
Leave every classroom better + one precise note. In Louisiana, your documented reliability becomes your strongest job security.
The Real Picture in Louisiana
$85
Avg Daily Rate
$27,500
Annual (regular subs)
High school diploma
Education Floor
Often No
License Required?
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Resources
This is skills-based professional development training only. It does not constitute state certification, a teaching license, or a guarantee of employment or assignments. All substitute teaching authorization and certification is issued exclusively by government/state/provincial/district authorities.
Skills-based professional development only. Actual substitute teaching authorization, certification, permits, and credentials in Louisiana are issued exclusively by state, provincial, and district government authorities — never by Substitute Teacher Training or any private provider.
Meet the Louisiana Rules — Then Stand Out with Skills
Our courses focus on the exact classroom tactics that turn authorized substitutes into the ones schools request again and again. All authorization and credentials come exclusively from state and district authorities.
Substitute Teacher Training provides practical skills development and resources to help substitute teachers perform more effectively in the classroom. Actual substitute teaching authorization, certification, permits, and credentials are issued exclusively by government/state/provincial/district education authorities. Decisions about hiring, pay rates, assignments, and any required credentials are made solely by schools, districts, and state education authorities. Completion of our courses results in a Certificate of Completion for professional development purposes only. We do not issue, approve, or guarantee any form of certification or employment.
Substitute Teacher Training provides no authorization, certification, or employment guarantees. All hiring, pay, and credential decisions rest solely with schools, districts, and state education authorities.